Filigree Desk or Mantle Clock

[DickB]

I got a request from one of the Conference members for this project, which has just been made available in the Pattern Depot. You may have seen it in the Synchronicity wall clock thread, as the movement is the same in both clocks. However, while Synchronicity looks like it could have been made with a scroll saw, Filigree is much more ornate than a scroll saw clock. Since filigrees are prominently used in the frame, face, and pendulum, I thought Filigree would be an appropriate name.

The clock, like Synchronicity, is driven by an electromagnetic pendulum. A magnet is hidden in the pendulum, and a coil concealed in the frame. With each swing of the pendulum, the coil becomes an electromagnet and gives a little push. A microcontroller measures each swing, and slightly speeds up or slows down the pendulum as needed to keep perfect time. This is a unique feature of my designs. (But what good is a clock that doesn't keep accurate time?) The electronics are powered by an AC adapter with optional battery backup.

This is an Advanced Level project because of the number of wood parts and several two-sided carvings, but the clock itself is not that difficult to build and get running, unlike other wood gear clock designs. It is a Designer Basic (Designer 1) project. I did use Centerline Text and Conforming Vectors for the numerals, but the numerals can easily be changed to Raster, meaning no software add-ons are required for this project. You do however need a drill press, as even the CarveWright cannot drill holes that are precise enough to fit the brass tubing used as bushings and shafts. (Try drilling a hole with your 1/8" cutting bit and compare to a hole drilled with a 1/8" drill bit in a drill press - you may be surprised. I was.).

I've included a very detailed build manual, which you probably know can be downloaded from the Pattern Depot for free, so you can see if this project is for you. Search for "filigree clock". I will have a complete hardware kit of all non-wood parts, including electronics, brass tubing, bearings, and screws, available through my web site very shortly.

This is my new favorite clock. Truly unique. How better to show off your skills and your CarveWright's capabilities?



https://youtu.be/b7QVKATuEiE